The 139th China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, is underway in south China's Guangzhou, where new energy vehicles (EV)s are attracting global purchasers to stop by for negotiation and cooperation.

Running through May, the fair covers 1.55 million square meters and features 75,700 booths and more than 32,000 enterprises, including around 3,900 first-time exhibitors.

With China’s EV supply chain now mature from components to complete vehicles, carmakers at the fair are courting international buyers to accelerate exports and cement the industry’s global footprint.

"I have come here to have a look at the electric trucks--I'm in transport--and the range that they go, and if they were hybrid and the side tracks are available in Australia but not these ones. Unbelievable. I can't believe how advanced China is with it. Amazing," said Trevor, a buyer from Australia.

In the motorcycle exhibition area, multiple high-performance models of ZXMOTO, a Chinese mainland motorcycle manufacturer that recently won the Superbike World Championship (WSBK) in Portugal, made their debut, quickly drawing crowds of potential global buyers.

"I think also in the whole of Europe this company will have a big interest and a very big offer for all Europe because it's very good quality," said Milan, a buyer from North Macedonia.

On the sidelines of the fair, International Exchange Conference on Renewable and Energy Storage was held in Guangzhou on Thursday. Featuring a forum-and-matchmaking format, the event brought together industry experts for a brainstorming session and established an efficient channel connecting suppliers, buyers, and trade service organizations.

Focusing on global energy transition trends and the high-quality development demands of the new energy industry, experts, leading companies, and large overseas buyers engaged in in-depth discussions on industry development trends, report releases, and high-end industry dialogues to help Chinese new energy storage companies in expanding overseas markets.

"We have made significant progress in solid-state batteries, long-duration storage liquid flow batteries, and compressed air energy storage. Especially with the help of AI, we have made further progress in new energy storage technologies," said Liu Shi, chief scientist of the National New Energy Storage Innovation Center.

First held in 1957, the Canton Fair takes place twice a year in Guangzhou. It is the longest-running comprehensive international trade event in China and has long been seen as a barometer of the country's foreign trade.

China's long-term industrial strategy is placing greater emphasis on the EV sector sector. The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), released last month, has highlighted support for strategic emerging industries, including smart connected vehicles.

Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed that China's auto parts exports totaled 16.76 billion U.S. dollars in January-February 2026, up 14.1 percent year on year, with February exports rising 32.6 percent year on year. The association attributed the robust growth to improving product competitiveness, a recovery in overseas demand and policy support.